Kgothatso Shai

Kgothatso Shai serves as Full Professor of Political Science and Head of the Department of Cultural & Political Studies at South Africa's University of Limpopo. He holds dual leadership roles as President of the South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS) and President of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM), where he additionally founded and edits the association's flagship Book Series.

His research program critically interweaves African politics, international relations, and politics of knowledge, with particular emphasis on decolonial theoretical frameworks and governance structures in Southern Africa. This interdisciplinary approach challenges Western-centric paradigms while examining knowledge production within post-colonial political contexts.

Professor Shai maintains an extensive publication portfolio comprising three academic books and over 100 Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) accredited journal articles and chapters, demonstrating consistent scholarly output in African political studies. His work appears in leading regional and international journals focused on political theory and public administration.

• National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher status
• Founding Editor in Chief of SAAPAM Book Series
• Leadership in two major national academic associations

As Department Head and association president, he provides significant mentorship through academic governance roles and editorial platforms. His NRF rating ensures access to competitive research grants, while SAAPAM's Book Series creates publication pathways for emerging scholars in public administration. The University of Limpopo's institutional framework supports his work through departmental resources and national research networks.